New Committee Takes First Steps Toward Modifying Healdsburg GMO

The City of Healdsburg has seated a new committe, an outgrowth of the 'Special Study Area' committee, to investigate the possibility of revisions to the Growth Management Ordinance, Measure M, that was passed by Healdsburg voters in 2000.

The original has now transmuted into the ‘Growth Management Study Committee.’ It includes original members: councilman , planning commissioners and , and community representatives and . Additional members are councilman Jim Wood, and two members recently selected by the city council, , another planning commissioner and , a local real estate attorney.

Noticeably left off the committee was who drafted the original growth management ordinance. Winston had applied for one of the two positions appointed by the city council but was not selected. Winston lives outside the Healdsburg city limits. For more on the appointments

“I still strongly feel I deserve a seat at the table to be included at that level,” said Winston. “I’m disappointed to be left out of the opportunity to be part of the committee to provide input.”

The newly-formed committee met for the first time on Wednesday evening at City Hall. Tom Chambers was selected as chair.

The committee determined the scope of the revision is to include only the downtown area and the special study area in any ordinance modification. Nothing would be done to encroach on the urban growth boundary. In addition, any changes proposed will have to fit into the 30-year General Plan guidelines, as well.

With the guidance of and , the committee determined there is not enough time to formulate a measure for the November ballot because of mandated review times.

There is the possibility of a statewide special election in 2013, which would save Healdsburg residents the cost of a special election.

The committee asked Nelson to provide a map including the downtown business district and the special study area for the next meeting.

“We can build all the hotels we like in Healdsburg,” said Chambers, speaking of what is within the scope of allowed development.

“What we’re missing is the diversity that has made Healdsburg what it is today,” he said.

In particular, the residential permit limit makes it difficult to plan for multiuse development projects and the “economy of scale” necessary to implement mixed-use plans.

The committee's next meeting will be held on Aug. 1.

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